Even though I don't crave nor love chocolate, I do enjoy a good brownie every now and then. Not too tall or dry, not to cake like. Not too underdone. It has to be jussssst right. And this is one. Your grandma, and heck, probably even your great or great great grandma made this one. It's a classic but there is a reason for that. It's just the right consistency, the right flavor, the right everything.
Give it a Christmas spin if you wish by topping it with a frosting and sprinkle of red and green... or just leave plain and dust with white powdered sugar over a paper doily. Personally, I don't mind if they are just plain, because they are just plain good.
The Best Brownies
1/2 c oil (vegetable, canola, etc)
1 c sugar
1 t vanilla
2 eggs
1/2 c flour
1/4 t baking powder
1/3 c cocoa
1/4 t salt
In a bowl, mix oil and sugar with a wooden spoon. Add eggs and vanilla; stir just until blended. Add the flour, baking powder, cocoa and salt. Beat with a wooden spoon until well blended. Pour into greased or parchment lined 9 x 9 pan. Bake about 20 minutes. The sides will pull away from the pan and the middle will be set. Cool completely without cutting. Frost if you wish - or sprinkle with powdered sugar - and cut into squares of your own choice of size.
